“The YMCA is a community organization,” said RJ Bergman, the vice president of impact and engagement at the YMCA of Southern Arizona. “It’s important we’re whatever the community needs and continue to grow and focus on healthy living, social responsibility and youth development in the forefront.”
To enforce its mission, the Y is offering free diabetes, vision and cancer screenings to the community throughout the year. These sessions, in partnership with Arizona Complete Health, University of Arizona Public Health and Community Health Workers-Promotora team-Helping Families in Need, are eliminating barriers and promoting preventive care.
“These screenings give us the opportunity to show our community another branch of the Y,” said Bergman. “It’s another thing we’re doing to make sure the community stays healthy. Organizations come to the Y looking to host these events and create the great partnerships we have. Their first call is to us because they know the work we do and the community we serve. That’s what we want.”
Beneficial for All
Bergman said the advantage of the YMCA being a one-stop-shop is it creates valuable partnerships with local entities. Organizations bring their services to the YMCA of Southern Arizona membership, and people are less intimidated attending an event hosted through the Y.
“If the Y wasn’t a name our partners could count on or we weren’t a product of the community or contributing to community wellness, they’d be going to other places,” remarked Bergman. “They’re hosting them at our facilities because we fit the mold of what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Ultimately, hosting these and similar community health programming is beneficial for everyone involved including for Y operations. The YMCA’s mission as an organization dedicated to community development is further emphasized through these screenings and membership value increases with these added services.
Instead of being known as the “gym and swim,” the community has come to recognize the organization for its work toward community development.
Reception and Impact
The diabetes screening, which was offered in August, had a high turnout with testing equipment running out before the end of the event. The area was located at the Northwest YMCA, Pima County Community Center location where visitors could stop by or members could get their session done before or after their workout. They engaged with health professionals, asking questions and learning about preventative steps they could take.
“The event wasn’t about making a sales call,” explained Bergman. “Providers aren’t coming in to advertise their products or services. We’re here to make people aware of these issues and provide places and resources to help address them. We are one organization and can help them through that process.”
With such a valuable event, Bergman recommended hosting this or similar services at any rec center. Even if it’s never been done before at your organization, keeping an open mind is key. Saying yes can help you better serve your community in significant ways.
“As we’ve seen over the past four to five years, the world changes around us,” said Bergman. “The needs of our communities change, so we have to be flexible. Take opportunities to learn about others in the community. Who can you help and how can you add value? Invite other community partners and figure out how you can make a difference together. At the end of the day, public health and well-being is why we’re here. We’re in the business of making our community a better place.”
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